WO2015111794A1

WO2015111794A1 - Smart key and control method and apparatus using the same

Info

Publication number: WO2015111794A1
Application number: PCT/KR2014/002336
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jong-Myung RHEE; Saad Allawi NSAIF; Se Mog Kim
Original assignee: Myongji University Industry And Academia Cooperation Foundation
Priority date: 2014-01-27
Filing date: 2014-03-20
Publication date: 2015-07-30
Also published as: KR101520573B1

Abstract

Disclosed are a smart key and a control method and apparatus using the same. A control method using a smart key according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: (a) when a particular button of the smart key is selected, transmitting a request for performing a control action matching the selected button to a control apparatus; and (b) when a request for user authentication is received from the control apparatus, receiving input for user authentication information and transmitting the user authentication information to the control apparatus, where said step (b) comprises receiving input for any one of a code including one or more of numbers and letters, a pattern connecting a multiple number of nodes, a fingerprint of the user, a voice code of the user, and a combination of long and short presses on a button of the smart key, as the input for the user authentication information.

Description

SMART KEY AND CONTROL METHOD AND APPARATUS USING THE SAME

The present invention relates to a smart key and to a control method and apparatus using the same.

As electrical/electronic systems become more intelligent, there is a growing demand for devices that enhance user convenience. This trend can also be seen in the next generation of automobiles, with one such example being the smart key system.

The smart key system can use wireless communication to not only authenticate the vehicle owner but also control certain actions of the vehicle. Whereas in the past the smart key system was applied to expensive high-end vehicles, in recent times the smart key system has become more wide-spread, being included in most vehicles either as a basic or a selected option.

From the regular type for pressing certain keys to start the vehicle and to lock and unlock doors, the smart key has evolved to the passive entry system, which allows the driver to remotely operate a vehicle simply by carrying the smart key.

However, according to recent investigations by researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), it has been revealed that it is possible to unlock the door of a vehicle or start its engine by using simple equipment even when the smart key is not in possession, making the vehicle vulnerable to theft.

Such a phenomenon may be achieved because the smart key is structured to control certain actions (e.g. locking and unlocking doors, starting the engine, etc.) by sensing low-power signals, a type of “radio frequency signals”, which are emitted from the vehicle, and the effective distance for recognizing the smart key is amplified by 5 or 6 times for unlocking the doors of the vehicle.

FIG. 1 illustrates a method of controlling an action for a vehicle by using a smart key according to the related art.

If a first user 10 carrying an antenna (amplified receiver) enters a radius (of about 8m) of the smart key (vehicle owner), and a second user 20 carrying another antenna (amplifier) approaches the vehicle, then the signals transmitted and received between the vehicle and the smart key may be relayed by the antennas, causing the doors of the vehicle to unlock and even causing the vehicle’s engine to start.

The longest possible distance between the antennas was 50m, showing that it is possible to unlock the doors of the vehicle without carrying a smart key, if the distance between the vehicle and the smart key is within 50m.

This problem applies not only to the “passive entry” type of smart key, with which the door of a vehicle is opened automatically when the user pulls on the door handle without having to press an “unlock” button, but applies to all vehicles equipped with an “automatic unlock” function for unlocking doors by pressing a button.

The smart key system applied to most current vehicles is either of the passive entry type or the automatic unlock type and is thus highly vulnerable to theft by the method described above. As such, there is an urgent need for drivers to show caution, and for manufacturers to provide a solution to the problem above.

To resolve the problem in the related art described above, an aspect of the present invention aims to provide increased security by applying various modes of user authentication between a smart key and a control apparatus.

To achieve the objective above, an embodiment of the present invention provides a control method using a smart key that includes: (a) when a particular button of the smart key is selected, transmitting a request for performing a control action matching the selected button to a control apparatus; and (b) when a request for user authentication is received from the control apparatus, receiving input for user authentication information and transmitting the user authentication information to the control apparatus, where said step (b) comprises receiving input for any one of a code including one or more of numbers and letters, a pattern connecting a multiple number of nodes, a fingerprint of the user, a voice code of the user, and a combination of long and short presses on a button of the smart key, as the input for the user authentication information.

To achieve the objective above, another embodiment of the present invention provides a control method using a smart key that includes: (a) when a particular button of the smart key is selected, transmitting a request for performing a control action matching the selected button to a control apparatus; (b) when a request for user authentication that includes a one-time password is received from the control apparatus, displaying the one-time password on a screen and prompting a user input; and (c) when the one-time password is inputted by the user, transmitting the inputted one-time password to the control apparatus, where one or more control actions are matched with the selected button, and the one or more control actions are put in an available state when the user authentication is successful, and the one or more control actions are put in a disabled state when the user authentication is unsuccessful.

To achieve the objective above, still another embodiment of the present invention provides a control method using a smart key that includes: (a) when a particular button of the smart key is selected, transmitting a request for a one-time password for user authentication to a mobile communication terminal of a user; (b) when a one-time password is received from the mobile communication of the user, displaying the one-time password on a screen and prompting a user input; and (c) when the one-time password is inputted, transmitting a request for performing a control action matching the selected button to a control apparatus, with the request for a control action comprising the inputted one-time password, where one or more control actions are matched with the selected button, and the one or more control actions are put in an available state when the user authentication is successful, and the one or more control actions are put in a disabled state when the user authentication is unsuccessful.

To achieve the objective above, an embodiment of the present invention provides a control method for controlling a target from a control apparatus connected with a smart key that includes: (a) when a request for performing a control action matching a particular button is received from the smart key, transmitting a user authentication request to the smart key; (b) performing user authentication by receiving user authentication information from the smart key; and (c) performing the requested control action when the user authentication is successful, where the received user authentication information includes one of a code including one or more of numbers and letters, a pattern connecting a multiple number of nodes, a fingerprint of the user, a voice code of the user, and a combination of long and short presses on a button of the smart key.

To achieve the objective above, another embodiment of the present invention provides a control method for controlling a target from a control apparatus connected with a smart key that includes: (a) when a request for performing a control action matching a particular button is received from the smart key, generating a one-time password and transmitting the one-time password to the smart key; (b) performing user authentication by receiving the one-time password from the smart key; and (c) performing the requested control action when the user authentication is successful, where one or more control actions are matched with the selected button, and the one or more control actions are put in an available state when the user authentication is successful, and the one or more control actions are put in a disabled state when the user authentication is unsuccessful.

To achieve the objective above, still another embodiment of the present invention provides a control method for controlling a target from a control apparatus connected with a smart key that includes: (a) receiving a request for performing a control action matching a particular button from the smart key and a first one-time password from a mobile communication terminal of a user; (b) when a second one-time password is received from the smart key, performing user authentication by comparing the second one-time password with the first one-time password; and (c) performing the control action matching the button when the user authentication is successful, where one or more control actions are matched with the selected button, and the one or more control actions are put in an available state when the user authentication is successful, and the one or more control actions are put in a disabled state when the user authentication is unsuccessful.

To achieve the objective above, an embodiment of the present invention provides a smart key for controlling a target that includes: an input unit configured to receive as input a selection for a particular button from a user and user authentication information for user authentication; and a control unit configured to transmit a request for a control action matching the selected button to a control apparatus, when the particular button is selected, where the input unit receives input for any one of a code including one or more of numbers and letters, a pattern connecting a multiple number of nodes, a fingerprint of the user, a voice code of the user, and a combination of long and short presses on a button of the smart key, as the input for the user authentication information.

To achieve the objective above, an embodiment of the present invention provides a control apparatus connected with a smart key for controlling a target that includes: an encryption and decryption unit configured to transmit a user authentication request to the smart key when a request for a control action matching a particular button is received from the smart key; a user authentication unit configured to receive user authentication information from the smart key and perform user authentication; and a control unit configured to perform the requested control action when the user authentication is successful, where the received user authentication information includes any one of a code including one or more of numbers and letters, a pattern connecting a multiple number of nodes, a fingerprint of the user, a voice code of the user, and a combination of long and short presses on a button of the smart key.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, various modes of user authentication can be applied between a smart key and a control apparatus, to increase security to the utmost.

Also, each button of a smart key can control one or more of various actions of the control target, to further increase security.

Embodiments of the present invention can be utilized in various fields where security is required, such as for vehicle security, entrance security, etc.

It is to be appreciated that the advantageous effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above but encompass all effects that can be derived from the detailed description of the invention or from the elements disclosed in the scope of claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a method of controlling an action of a vehicle by using a smart key according to the related art.

FIG. 2 illustrates the composition of a control system using a smart key according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the composition of a smart key according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the composition of a control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for controlling a vehicle by using a smart key according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for controlling a vehicle by using a smart key according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for controlling a vehicle by using a smart key according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for controlling a vehicle performed by a vehicle control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for controlling a vehicle performed by a vehicle control apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for controlling a vehicle performed by a vehicle control apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in several different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

In order to describe embodiments of the present invention with greater clarity, certain parts have been omitted in the drawings, and like reference numerals have been used for like parts throughout the specification.

In the specification, the description that a part is “connected” to another part refers not only to those cases in which the parts are “connected directly” but also to those cases in which the parts are “connected indirectly” by way of one or more other members interposed therebetween.

Also, the description that a part “includes” a component means that additional components may further be included and does not preclude the existence of other components unless specifically indicated.

Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The control system 100 using a smart key according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to controlling a vehicle (e.g. for locking and unlocking doors, locking and unlocking the steering wheel, locking and unlocking the trunk, etc.), controlling an entrance door (e.g. locking and unlocking the entrance to a house, an office, a garage, etc.), or controlling any other particular target where security is needed. In the descriptions that follow, the case of controlling a vehicle using a smart key is provided as an example.

A vehicle control system 100 using a smart key according to an embodiment of the present invention can include a smart key 110 and a vehicle control apparatus 120.

First, the smart key 110 can perform bidirectional communication with the vehicle control apparatus 120 over a wireless network, and when a particular button of the smart key 110 is selected by a user, the smart key 110 can transmit to the vehicle control apparatus 120 a request for performing a control action matching the selected button.

The smart key 110 can include multiple buttons and a screen. Here, the “multiple buttons” can be implemented as a separate keypad or a touch pad, and the “screen” can be implemented not only as a display device for simply displaying information but also as a touch screen capable of receiving information as input by way of touch as well as displaying information. Moreover, the multiple buttons and the screen can be included in a single touch screen.

Each “button” of the smart key 110 can be matched with one or more vehicle control actions. For example, a “door lock button” can lock the doors of a vehicle while at the same time deactivating a starting mechanism (such as the ignition button) of the vehicle, so that if the locks on the doors are forcibly unlocked without the use of the smart key 110, the starting mechanism may not be activated, thus protecting the vehicle from theft as the vehicle cannot be started.

Also, after transmitting a request for performing a control action matching the button selected by the user to the vehicle control apparatus 120, the smart key 110 can receive a user authentication request from the vehicle control apparatus 120, at which time a public key for security of the user authentication can be received concurrently.

Afterwards, the smart key 110 can receive input from the user of authentication information for user authentication (hereinafter referred to as “user authentication information”), encrypt the inputted user authentication information with the public key, and transmit the encrypted user authentication information to the vehicle control apparatus 120.

Here, the “user authentication information” can include one or more of an authentication code that includes one or more of numbers and letters, a pattern that connects a multiple number of nodes, a fingerprint of the user, a voice code of the user, and a combination of long and short presses on one or more buttons of the smart key.

The user can register the user authentication information with the vehicle control apparatus 120 beforehand, by way of the smart key 110, for controlling the vehicle.

Also, the smart key 110 can receive from the vehicle control apparatus 120 information regarding whether or not an authentication using the user authentication information is successful and regarding whether or not the control action matching the particular button is performed, and can display such information.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, after transmitting to the vehicle control apparatus 120 a request for performing a control action matching the particular button selected by the user, the smart key 110 can receive a one-time password (OTP) for user authentication from the vehicle control apparatus 120 and display it on the screen. When the one-time password is inputted by the user, the smart key 110 can send it again to the vehicle control apparatus 120 to perform user authentication.

Here, the one-time password can be in an encrypted state, and the smart key 110 can request a password from the user for decrypting the encrypted one-time password. If the password inputted by the user agrees with a preset password, then the smart key 110 can display the one-time password on the screen and prompt the user’s input.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the smart key 110 can perform the user authentication for vehicle control by accessing a mobile communication terminal (not shown) belonging to the user.

That is, the user authentication can be performed by transmitting a request for performing a control action matching the particular button selected by the user to the user’s mobile communication terminal (not shown) and to the vehicle control apparatus 120, and receiving input for the one-time password from the user and transmitting it to the vehicle control apparatus 120.

Here, the one-time password can be in an encrypted state, and the smart key 110 can request a password for decrypting the encrypted one-time password from the user. If the password inputted by the user agrees with a preset password, then the smart key 110 can display the one-time password on the screen and prompt the user’s input.

In the embodiments described above and in other embodiments, the smart key 110 can transmit the one-time password to the vehicle control apparatus 120 with the one-time password encrypted.

The vehicle control apparatus 120 can perform bidirectional communication with the smart key 110 over a wireless network and can perform the corresponding control actions according to the request for performing a control action received from the smart key 110.

To this end, when a request for performing a control action is received from the smart key 110, the vehicle control apparatus 120 can generate a private key and a public key for security of the user authentication and can transmit the public key thus generated to the smart key 110 together with the user authentication request.

Also, when the user authentication information encrypted with the public key is received from the smart key 110, the vehicle control apparatus 120 can decrypt the user authentication information by using the private key and can perform user authentication by comparing the decrypted user authentication information with the user authentication information registered beforehand to see whether or not they agree with each other.

Afterwards, the vehicle control apparatus 120 can transmit information regarding whether or not the user authentication is successful to the smart key 110, and if the user authentication is successful, can perform the control actions matching the particular button of the smart key 110 and transmit the information of the performing to the smart key 110.

The vehicle control apparatus 120 can receive the user authentication information from the smart key 110 beforehand and can register the user authentication information. When transmitting the user authentication request to the smart key 110, the vehicle control apparatus 120 can request the input of any one type of the user authentication information registered beforehand.

Also, the vehicle control apparatus 120 can include a control module (e.g. an electronic control unit, ECU) for controlling the vehicle, as well as a communication module that allows wireless communication with the smart key 110.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, when a request for performing a control action that matches a particular button selected by the user is received from the smart key 110, the vehicle control apparatus 120 can generate a one-time password for user authentication, encrypt the one-time password, and transmit it to the smart key 110, receive from the smart key 110 a one-time password inputted by the user, decrypt the inputted one-time password, and perform the user authentication by comparing the generated one-time password with the inputted one-time password to check whether or not they agree with each other.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle control apparatus 120 can perform the user authentication for vehicle control by accessing a mobile communication terminal (not shown) belonging to the user.

That is, when receiving a request for performing a control action that matches a particular button selected by the user from the smart key 110, the vehicle control apparatus 120 can receive a one-time password in encrypted form from the user’s mobile communication terminal (not shown), and afterwards, can receive the one-time password inputted by the user from the smart key 110, decrypt the inputted one-time password, and perform the user authentication by comparing the one-time password received from the user’s mobile communication terminal with the one-time password received from the smart key 110 to check whether or not they agree with each other.

In the embodiments described above and in other embodiments, the vehicle control apparatus 120 can transmit the one-time password to the smart key 110 with the one-time password encrypted.

A smart key 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention can include an input unit 111, a user authentication information registry unit 112, a control unit 113, an encryption unit 114, and a communication unit 115.

Looking at each of the components, the input unit 111 can include a multiple number of buttons, which may be implemented as a keypad or a touch pad. In cases where they are implemented as a touch screen, virtual buttons can be displayed on certain areas of the touch screen to receive a selection on a particular button as input from the user.

In cases where the input unit 111 is implemented as a touch screen, the registering of user authentication information or the user authentication itself can involve receiving input in the form of a pattern that connects one or more nodes, with each of the virtual buttons serving as a node.

Each of the buttons of the input unit 111 can be matched with one or more specific control actions for controlling the vehicle. For example, a door unlock button can serve to unlock the doors of the vehicle as well as to activate the starting mechanism (e.g. ignition button) of the vehicle.

Also, the input unit 111 can receive input in the form of an authentication code that includes one or more of numbers and letters, when registering user authentication information or performing user authentication.

The user can input an authentication code of a particular length by selecting one or more of the number buttons and letter buttons on the input unit 111.

Also, the input unit 111 can receive input in the form of a combination of long and short presses on certain buttons, when registering user authentication information or performing user authentication.

For example, the user can input a combination of two long presses, one short press, and two long presses again on button “A”, the combination utilized as information for authenticating the user. The combination need not be limited to button “A” and can further include long and short presses on button “D” as well, and such combination can be utilized as user authentication information.

The basis for differentiating a “long” press from a “short” press can be configured differently for each embodiment (for example, a “long” press can be 1 to 2 seconds, while a “short” press can be shorter than 1 second). The output sound for each button can be made different, and when a user inputs a combination of long and short presses, the user can reference the “sound” that is outputted according to the button pressed and the duration of the press on the particular button. The user can also reference the symbols displayed on the screen according to the button pressed and the duration of the press on the particular button (for example, a long press can be represented as “---” while a short press can be represented as “-”).

Also, the input unit 111 can include a fingerprint sensing unit.

A fingerprint sensing unit can be implemented as a slide type. When registering user authentication information or when performing the user authentication, the slide type fingerprint sensing unit can perform fingerprint recognition by sensing the fingerprint of a finger that moves in a sliding manner, reading the fragmentary images of the fingerprint, and coordinating the fragmentary fingerprint images to provide an image of the complete fingerprint.

One or more of the user’s fingerprints can be registered, and the user can be prompted to input any one of the registered fingerprints during user authentication.

For example, if all five fingerprints of the right hand are registered, the user can be prompted to input the fingerprint of the thumb at the time of user authentication.

Also, the input unit 111 can include a voice recognition unit.

A voice recognition unit according to an embodiment of the present invention can include a microphone, which can be used to recognize the user’s voice by converting the user’s voice into electrical signals and detecting voice signals from the converted electrical signals, when registering user authentication information or when performing user authentication.

A general, known voice recognition engine can be employed for the recognition of the user’s voice, and the user can register a particular word or sentence in the user’s voice so as to utilize the voice-based code as user authentication information.

When a registering of user authentication information is requested by the user, the user authentication information registry unit 112 can request the registration of user authentication information for controlling a vehicle by activating the input unit 111 and transmitting to the vehicle control apparatus 120 the user authentication information inputted through the input unit 111.

Here, information regarding the authentication mode (e.g. fingerprint authentication, voice code authentication, etc.) matching the type of user authentication information can be included in the registration request.

The user authentication information registry unit 112 can provide an interface through which the user may select any one of a variety of authentication modes, and can activate an input unit 111 that matches the authentication mode selected through the interface.

For example, if “pattern input” is selected as the authentication mode through the interface, then the user authentication information registry unit 112 can activate input buttons of the touch screen, from among the various input modes of the input unit 111, and can output a voice announcement message that says “Please register your pattern for vehicle control.”

The various types of user authentication information that can be inputted through the input unit 111 are described above, and will not be provided here in further detail.

When a particular button is selected by the user at the input unit 111, the control unit 113 can transmit a request for performing a control action matching the selected button to the vehicle control apparatus 120.

A request for performing a control action that matches the selected button can include a unique identifier of the smart key 110 and an identifier of the selected button.

Afterwards, when a user authentication request is received from the vehicle control apparatus 120, the control unit 113 can activate a corresponding input unit 111 based on the “information regarding authentication mode” included in the received user authentication request.

For example, in cases where fingerprint recognition is selected as an authentication mode during the registration of user authentication information, the user authentication request received from the vehicle control apparatus 120 can include fingerprint recognition as the information regarding authentication mode, and based on this, the control unit 113 can activate the fingerprint sensing unit on the input unit 111.

Here, a voice message can be outputted that says “Please input a pre-registered fingerprint for vehicle control.”

The encryption unit 114 can encrypt the user authentication information inputted through the input unit 111, for transmitting to the vehicle control apparatus 120.

Here, the encryption unit 114 can perform the encryption by using the public key included in the user authentication request received from the vehicle control apparatus 120, or by using any one of various other encryption methods.

The communication unit 115 can enable the smart key 110 to communicate wirelessly with the vehicle control apparatus 120. Various wireless communication methods can be used, such as LF, RF, Bluetooth, etc.

A vehicle control apparatus 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention can include a user authentication information registry unit 121, a user authentication information storage unit 122, an encryption and decryption unit 123, a user authentication unit 124, a vehicle control unit 125, and a communication unit 126.

Looking at each of the components, the user authentication information registry unit 121 can register user authentication information for vehicle control, by storing in the user authentication information storage unit 122 one or more of a unique identifier of the smart key 110, an authentication mode for vehicle control, and user authentication information for the authentication mode, when a user authentication information registration request is received from the smart key 110.

For example, in cases where an authentication mode is for an “authentication code”, then an authentication code that includes one or more of numbers and letters can be stored as the user authentication information, and in cases where an authentication mode is for a “combination of long and short presses”, then an identifier of a button (one or more buttons), and the long and short presses of the button(s) can be stored as the user authentication information.

Also, in cases where an authentication mode is “fingerprint recognition”, then one or more fingerprint images can be stored as the user authentication information, and in cases where an authentication mode is for a “voice code”, then the features of a voice and a particular word or phrase recorded in the voice can be stored as the user authentication information.

The encryption and decryption unit 123, when a request for performing a control action matching a particular button is received from the smart key 110, can transmit a user authentication request to the smart key 110 together with information regarding the authentication mode of the smart key stored in the user authentication information storage unit 122.

Here, the encryption and decryption unit 123 can generate a public key and a private key (e.g. by using an RSA algorithm) and can transmit the generated public key together with the user authentication request to the smart key 110.

Also, when user authentication information is received from the smart key 110 with the user authentication information encrypted with the public key, the encryption and decryption unit 123 can decrypt the encrypted user authentication information by using the private key paired with the public key.

In another example, the encryption and decryption unit 123 can generate a one-time password for user authentication and a public key and a private key for security, and can transmit the one-time password and the public key to the smart key 110. When a one-time password encrypted with the public key is received from the smart key 110, the encryption and decryption unit 123 can decrypt the encrypted one-time password by using the private key paired with the public key.

In yet another example, the encryption and decryption unit 123 can receive a one-time password and a public key and a private key for security from a mobile communication terminal (not shown) belonging to the user. When a one-time password encrypted with the public key is received from the smart key 110, the encryption and decryption unit 123 can decrypt the encrypted one-time password by using the private key paired with the public key.

The user authentication unit 124 can compare the user authentication information decrypted at the encryption and decryption unit 123 with the user authentication information stored at the user authentication information storage unit 122, to check whether or not the two agree with each other, and can generate and transmit to the smart key 110 a message regarding whether or not there is agreement.

In another example, the user authentication unit 124 can compare a one-time password generated at the encryption and decryption unit 123 with a one-time password received from the smart key 110, to check whether or not the two agree with each other, and can generate and transmit to the smart key 110 a message regarding whether or not there is agreement.

In yet another example, the user authentication unit 124 can compare a one-time password received from the user’s mobile communication terminal (not shown) with a one-time password received from the smart key 110, to check whether or not the two agree with each other, and can generate and transmit to the smart key 110 a message regarding whether or not there is agreement.

The vehicle control unit 125, when the user authentication is performed by the user authentication unit 124, can perform the control actions matching the particular button, as requested by the smart key 110.

A request for performing a control action matching a particular button, received from the smart key 110, can include a unique identifier of the smart key and an identifier of the particular button.

Thus, the vehicle control unit 125 can extract information on the one or more control actions matching the identifier of the particular button from a “control action information storage” (not shown), in which is stored information on the identifier of each button and on the one or more control actions matching each button, to perform the control actions matching the particular button.

For example, if a door unlock button is selected at the smart key 110, the vehicle control unit 125 can identify from the “control action information storage” (not shown) that the control actions matching the door unlock button are unlocking the doors of the vehicle and activating the starting mechanism of the vehicle, and can therefore unlock the doors of the vehicle and activate the starting mechanism (e.g. ignition button) of the vehicle.

Also, the vehicle control unit 125 can generate a message regarding the control actions performed and transmit the message to the smart key 110.

The communication unit 126 can enable the vehicle control apparatus 120 to communicate wirelessly with the smart key 110. Various wireless communication methods can be used, such as LF, RF, Bluetooth, etc.

FIG. 5 illustrates a case of using a smart key 110 for controlling a vehicle, where a public key and a private key used for the security of the user authentication information are generated at the vehicle control apparatus 120 and the user authentication information used for the user authentication is inputted at the smart key.

First, when a request for registering user authentication information is received from the user, the smart key 110 may display an interface for selecting an authentication mode (S501).

The description of various authentication modes is as provided above and thus is not repeated here.

After operation S501, the smart key 110 may activate an input unit 111 that matches the authentication mode selected through the interface and may request the registration of the user authentication information by transmitting to the vehicle control apparatus 120 the user authentication information that was inputted through the input unit 111 (S502).

Here, the registration request can include one or more of a unique identifier of the smart key 110, an authentication mode for vehicle control, and the user authentication information corresponding to the authentication mode.

After operation S502, when the user selects a particular button, the smart key 110 may transmit a request for performing a control action matching the selected button to the vehicle control apparatus 120 (S503).

Here, the request can include a unique identifier of the smart key 110 and an identifier of the selected button.

After operation S503, the smart key 110 may receive a user authentication request from the vehicle control apparatus 120 and may activate an input unit 111 that matches the authentication mode (S504).

Here, the received user authentication request can include information regarding the authentication mode and a public key.

After operation S504, when a set of user authentication information is inputted by the user through the input unit 111, the smart key 110 may encrypt the inputted user authentication information by using the public key and may transmit the encrypted user authentication information to the vehicle control apparatus 120 (S505).

After operation S505, the smart key 110 may receive from the vehicle control apparatus 120 a message regarding whether or not the authentication is successful, and if the authentication is successful, a message regarding whether or not the control actions matching the selected button have been performed, displaying the messages on the screen (S506).

FIG. 6 illustrates a case of using a smart key 110 for controlling a vehicle, where a public key and a private key used for the security of the user authentication information are generated at the vehicle control apparatus and a one-time password used for the user authentication is also generated at the vehicle control apparatus 120.

The procedures for registering user authentication information through the smart key 110 and for requesting the performing of a control action matching the selected button when a particular button of the smart key 110 is selected by the user (i.e. operations S601 to S603) are substantially the same as the procedures represented by operations S501 to S503 of FIG. 5 and hence are not described here in further detail.

After operation S603, the smart key 110 may receive a one-time password for user authentication from the vehicle control apparatus 120 and display it on the screen, prompting the user to input the one-time password shown on the screen (S604).

Here, the smart key 110 can receive a public key along with the one-time password from the vehicle control apparatus 120.

In operation S604, the one-time password used for user authentication can be in an encrypted form, and the smart key 110 can prompt the user to enter a password for decrypting the encrypted one-time password. If the password inputted by the user agrees with a preset password, then the smart key 110 can decrypt the encrypted one-time password and display it on the screen.

Thus, even in cases where the smart key 110 was misplaced, people other than the actual user would not know the password for decrypting the one-time password and hence could not input the one-time password. A person who is unable to input the one-time password would not be able to use the smart key 110 itself, thus providing greater security.

After operation S604, when a one-time password is inputted from the user, the smart key 110 may encrypt the inputted one-time password with the public key and then transmit the encrypted one-time password to the vehicle control apparatus 120 (S605).

After operation S605, the smart key 110 may receive from the vehicle control apparatus 120 a message regarding whether or not the authentication is successful, and if the authentication is successful, a message regarding whether or not the control actions matching the selected button have been performed, displaying the messages on the screen (S606).

FIG. 7 illustrates a case of using a smart key 110 for controlling a vehicle, where a one-time password used for user authentication and a public key and a private key used for the security of the user authentication information are generated at a mobile communication terminal (not shown) belonging to the user.

The procedures for registering user authentication information through the smart key 110 (i.e. operations S701 and S702) are substantially the same as the procedures represented by operations S501 and S502 of FIG. 5 and hence are not described here in further detail.

After operation S702, when the user selects a particular button, the smart key 110 may transmit a request for performing a control action matching the selected button to the vehicle control apparatus 120 and may transmit a request for a one-time password to the user’s mobile communication terminal (not shown) (S703).

The request for performing a control action sent to the vehicle control apparatus 120 can include a unique identifier of the smart key 110 and an identifier of the selected button. The user’s mobile communication terminal (not shown), responding to the request for the one-time password, can transmit the one-time password for user authentication to each of the smart key 110 and the vehicle control apparatus 120.

Here, the user’s mobile communication terminal (not shown) can transmit both a public key and a private key for security to the vehicle control apparatus 120 and can transmit the public key to the smart key 110, as mentioned below with reference to operation S704.

After operation S703, the smart key 110 may receive the one-time password used for user authentication from the user’s mobile communication terminal (not shown), display the one-time password on the screen, and request the user to input the one-time password displayed on the screen (S704).

Here, the smart key 110 can receive the public key for security as well as the one-time password from the user’s mobile communication terminal (not shown).

In operation S704, the one-time password for user authentication can be encrypted, and the smart key 110 can prompt the user for a password for decrypting the encrypted one-time password. If the password inputted by the user agrees with the preset password, the encrypted one-time password can be decrypted and displayed on the screen.

After operation S704, when a one-time password is inputted by the user, the smart key 110 may encrypt the one-time password by using the public key received in operation S704 and transmit it to the vehicle control apparatus 120 (S705).

After operation S705, the smart key 110 may receive from the vehicle control apparatus 120 a message regarding whether or not the authentication is successful, and if the authentication is successful, a message regarding whether or not the control actions matching the selected button have been performed, displaying the messages on the screen (S706).

FIG. 8 illustrates a case of using a vehicle control apparatus 120 for controlling a vehicle, where a public key and a private key used for the security of the user authentication information are generated at the vehicle control apparatus 120 and the user authentication information used for the user authentication is inputted at the smart key 110.

First, the vehicle control apparatus 120 may receive a request for registering user authentication information for vehicle control from the smart key 110 and may register the user authentication information (S801).

Here, the received registration request can include a unique identifier of the smart key 110, an authentication mode for the user authentication, and the user authentication information corresponding to the authentication mode.

After operation S801, when a request for performing a control action matching a particular button is received from the smart key 110, the vehicle control apparatus 120 may generate a public key and a private key for security (e.g. by using an RSA algorithm) and may transmit the generated public key together with the user authentication request to the smart key 110 (S802).

After operation S802, when user authentication information encrypted with the public key is received from the smart key 110, the vehicle control apparatus 120 may decrypt the encrypted user authentication information by using the private key that forms a pair with the public key (S803).

After operation S803, the vehicle control apparatus 120 may perform user authentication by comparing the decrypted user authentication information with the user authentication information registered in operation S801 to check whether or not they agree with each other (S804).

Here, the vehicle control apparatus 120 can generate a message regarding the authentication and transmit it to the smart key 110.

After operation S804, the vehicle control apparatus 120 may perform one or more control actions matching the particular button requested by the smart key 110 (S805).

Here, the vehicle control apparatus 120 can generate a message regarding the control actions performed and transmit it to the smart key 110.

FIG. 9 illustrates a case of using a vehicle control apparatus 120 for controlling a vehicle, where a public key and a private key used for the security of the user authentication information are generated at the vehicle control apparatus 120 and a one-time password used for the user authentication is also generated at the vehicle control apparatus 120.

First, the vehicle control apparatus 120 may receive a request for registering user authentication information for vehicle control from the smart key 110 and may register the user authentication information (S901).

Here, the received registration request can include a unique identifier of the smart key 110, an authentication mode, and the user authentication information corresponding to the authentication mode.

After operation S901, when a request for performing a control action matching a particular button is received from the smart key 110, the vehicle control apparatus 120 may generate a one-time password for user authentication as well as a public key and a private key for security (e.g. by using an RSA algorithm) (S902).

After operation S902, the vehicle control apparatus 120 may transmit the one-time password and the public key generated in operation S902, along with a user authentication request, to the smart key 110 (S903).

After operation S903, when a one-time password encrypted with the public key is received from the smart key 110, the vehicle control apparatus 120 may decrypt the encrypted one-time password by using the private key that forms a pair with the public key (S904).

After operation S904, the vehicle control apparatus 120 may perform user authentication by comparing the decrypted one-time password with the one-time password generated in operation S902 to check whether or not they agree with each other (S905).

After operation S905, the vehicle control apparatus 120 may perform one or more control actions matching the particular button requested by the smart key 110 (S906).

FIG. 10 illustrates a case of using a vehicle control apparatus 120 for controlling a vehicle, where a one-time password used for user authentication and a public key and a private key used for the security of the user authentication information are generated at a mobile communication terminal (not shown) belonging to the user.

First, the vehicle control apparatus 120 may receive a request for registering user authentication information for vehicle control from the smart key 110 and may register the user authentication information (S1001).

After operation S1001, the vehicle control apparatus 120 may receive a request for performing a control action matching a particular button from the smart key 110 and may receive a one-time password for user authentication from the user’s mobile communication terminal (not shown) (S1002).

Here, the vehicle control apparatus 120 can also receive a public key and a private key, used for the security of the one-time password, from the user’s mobile communication terminal (not shown).

After operation S1002, when a one-time password encrypted with the public key is received from the smart key 110, the vehicle control apparatus 120 may decrypt the encrypted one-time password by using the private key that forms a pair with the public key (S1003).

After operation S1003, the vehicle control apparatus 120 may perform user authentication by comparing the one-time password decrypted in operation S1003 with the one-time password received from the user’s mobile communication terminal (not shown) in operation S1002 to check whether or not they agree with each other (S1004).

After operation S1004, the vehicle control apparatus 120 may perform one or more control actions matching the particular button requested by the smart key 110 (S1005).

The embodiments of the present invention set forth above are for illustrative purposes. It would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the field of art to which the present invention pertains that the embodiments above can be easily modified to other specific implementations without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention and without changing the essential features of the present invention.

Thus, the embodiments described above are merely given as examples and do not limit the present invention.

For example, a component described as an integrated form can be used in a distributed form, while components described as being in a distributed form can be used coupled together.

The scope of the present invention is to be defined by the scope of claims set forth below, and it is to be appreciated that all variations and modifications which can be derived from the meaning and scope of the claims as well as their equivalents are encompassed by the scope of the present invention.

[Description of Numerals]

100: vehicle control system

110: smart key

111: input unit

112: user authentication information registry unit

113: control unit

114: encryption unit

115: communication unit

120: vehicle control apparatus

121: user authentication information registry unit

122: user authentication information storage unit

123: encryption and decryption unit

124: user authentication unit

125: vehicle control unit

126: communication unit

Claims

A control method using a smart key, the control method comprising:

(a) transmitting a request for performing a control action to a control apparatus, when a particular button of the smart key is selected, the control action matching the selected button; and

(b) receiving input for user authentication information, when a request for user authentication is received from the control apparatus, and transmitting the user authentication information to the control apparatus,

wherein said step (b) comprises receiving input for any one of a code including one or more of numbers and letters, a pattern connecting a plurality of nodes, a fingerprint of the user, a voice code of the user, and a combination of long and short presses on a button of the smart key, as the input for the user authentication information.
The control method of claim 1, further comprising, before said step (a):

registering the user authentication information,

wherein a plurality of fingerprints of the user are registered, and said step (b) comprises requesting input for one of the registered fingerprints,

the voice code of the user is registered by recording one or more of numbers, letters, words, and phrases in a voice of the user,

and the combination of long and short presses on a button of the smart key is registered as a combination of long and short presses for one or more buttons.
The control method of claim 2, wherein said step (b) comprises:

outputting one or more of sounds and symbols corresponding to the button selections when inputting the combination of long and short presses for the one or more buttons.
The control method of claim 1, wherein one or more control actions are matched with the selected button,

and the one or more control actions are put in an available state when the user authentication is successful,

and the one or more control actions are put in a disabled state when the user authentication is unsuccessful.
The control method of claim 1, wherein said step (b) comprises:

receiving a public key for security from the control apparatus, and transmitting the user authentication information to the control apparatus after encrypting the inputted user authentication information by using the public key.
The control method of claim 1, further comprising:

(c) receiving from the control apparatus and displaying one or more of information on whether or not an authentication using the inputted user authentication information is successful and information on whether or not the matching control action is performed in the event of a successful authentication.
A control method using a smart key, the control method comprising:

(a) transmitting a request for performing a control action to a control apparatus, when a particular button of the smart key is selected, the control action matching the selected button;

(b) displaying a one-time password on a screen, when a request for user authentication is received from the control apparatus, and prompting a user input, the request for user authentication comprising the one-time password; and

(c) transmitting an inputted one-time password to the control apparatus, when the one-time password is inputted by the user,

wherein one or more control actions are matched with the selected button, and the one or more control actions are put in an available state when the user authentication is successful, and the one or more control actions are put in a disabled state when the user authentication is unsuccessful.
The control method of claim 7, wherein said step (b) comprises:

requesting a password input for decrypting an encrypted one-time password from the user; and

displaying the one-time password on the screen if the password inputted by the user agrees with a preset password.
The control method of claim 7, wherein said step (c) comprises:

transmitting the inputted one-time password to the control apparatus after encrypting the inputted one-time password by using a public key included in the request for user authentication received in said step (b).
A control method using a smart key, the control method comprising:

(a) transmitting a request for a one-time password for user authentication to a mobile communication terminal of a user, when a particular button of the smart key is selected;

(b) displaying a one-time password on a screen, when the one-time password is received from the mobile communication of the user, and prompting a user input ; and

(c) transmitting a request for performing a control action matching the selected button to a control apparatus, when the one-time password is inputted, the request for a control action comprising the inputted one-time password,

wherein one or more control actions are matched with the selected button, and the one or more control actions are put in an available state when the user authentication is successful, and the one or more control actions are put in a disabled state when the user authentication is unsuccessful.
The control method of claim 10, wherein said step (b) comprises:

requesting a password input for decrypting an encrypted one-time password from the user; and

displaying the one-time password on the screen if the password inputted by the user agrees with a preset password.
The control method of claim 10, wherein said step (c) comprises:

transmitting the inputted one-time password to the control apparatus after encrypting the inputted one-time password by using a public key received together with the one-time password in said step (b).
A control method for controlling a target from a control apparatus connected with a smart key, the control method comprising:

(a) transmitting a user authentication request to the smart key, when a request for performing a control action matching a particular button is received from the smart key;

(b) performing user authentication by receiving user authentication information from the smart key; and

(c) performing the requested control action when the user authentication is successful,

wherein the received user authentication information includes one of a code including one or more of numbers and letters, a pattern connecting a plurality of nodes, a fingerprint of the user, a voice code of the user, and a combination of long and short presses on a button of the smart key.
The control method of claim 13, further comprising, before said step (a):

registering the user authentication information according to a request from the smart key,

wherein said step (a) comprises:

transmitting the user authentication request including information on an authentication mode such that the user authentication information is inputted according to the authentication mode of the registered user authentication information.
The control method of claim 14, wherein the registering of the user authentication information comprises:

registering one or more fingerprints as the fingerprint of the user;

registering information of a recording of one or more of numbers, letters, words, and phrases in a voice of the user as the voice code of the user; and

registering a combination of long and short presses for one or more buttons as the combination of long and short presses on a button of the smart key.
The control method of claim 13, wherein said step (a) comprises:

generating a private key and a public key for security of the user authentication information and transmitting the public key together with the user authentication request,

and said step (b) comprises:

performing the user authentication by decrypting the received user authentication information with the private key and checking whether or not the received user authentication information agrees with the registered user authentication information,

and wherein the received user authentication information is encrypted with the public key by the smart key.
The control method of claim 13, wherein said step (b) comprises:

generating and transmitting to the smart key a message regarding whether or not the authentication is successful,

and said step (c) comprises:

generating and transmitting to the smart key a message regarding whether or not the requested control action is performed.
A control method for controlling a target from a control apparatus connected with a smart key, the control method comprising:

(a) generating a one-time password, when a request for performing a control action matching a particular button is received from the smart key, and transmitting the one-time password to the smart key;

(b) performing user authentication by receiving the one-time password from the smart key; and

(c) performing the requested control action when the user authentication is successful,

wherein one or more control actions are matched with the selected button, and the one or more control actions are put in an available state when the user authentication is successful, and the one or more control actions are put in a disabled state when the user authentication is unsuccessful.
The control method of claim 18, wherein said step (a) comprises:

generating a private key and a public key and transmitting the public key together with the one-time password to the smart key,

and said step (b) comprises:

performing the user authentication by decrypting the received one-time password with the private key and checking whether or not the received one-time password agrees with the generated one-time password,

and wherein the received one-time password is encrypted with the public key by the smart key.
A control method for controlling a target from a control apparatus connected with a smart key, the control method comprising:

(a) receiving a request for performing a control action matching a particular button from the smart key and a first one-time password from a mobile communication terminal of a user;

(b) performing user authentication, when a second one-time password is received from the smart key, by comparing the second one-time password with the first one-time password; and

(c) performing the control action matching the button when the user authentication is successful,

wherein one or more control actions are matched with the selected button, and the one or more control actions are put in an available state when the user authentication is successful, and the one or more control actions are put in a disabled state when the user authentication is unsuccessful.
The control method of claim 20, wherein said step (a) comprises:

receiving a private key and a public key matching the first one-time password from the mobile communication terminal of the user,

and said step (b) comprises:

decrypting the second one-time password by using the private key, wherein the second one-time password is encrypted with the public key by the smart key.
A smart key for controlling a target, the smart key comprising:

an input unit configured to receive as input a selection for a particular button from a user and user authentication information for user authentication; and

a control unit configured to transmit a request for a control action matching the selected button to a control apparatus, when the particular button is selected,

wherein the input unit receives input for any one of a code including one or more of numbers and letters, a pattern connecting a plurality of nodes, a fingerprint of the user, a voice code of the user, and a combination of long and short presses on a button of the smart key, as the input for the user authentication information.
The smart key of claim 22, wherein one or more control actions are matched with the selected button, and the one or more control actions are put in an available state when the user authentication is successful, and the one or more control actions are put in a disabled state when the user authentication is unsuccessful.
The smart key of claim 22, further comprising:

a user authentication information registry unit configured to transmit the user authentication information inputted through the input unit to the control apparatus and request a registration of the user authentication information.
The smart key of claim 24, wherein the control unit activates the input unit based on information regarding an authentication mode included in the user authentication request, when the user authentication request is received from the control apparatus.
The smart key of claim 22, further comprising:

an encryption unit configured to encrypt the inputted user authentication information with a public key and transmit the encrypted user authentication information to the control apparatus, when the public key for security is received together with the user authentication request from the control apparatus.
A control apparatus connected with a smart key for controlling a target, the control apparatus comprising:

an encryption and decryption unit configured to transmit a user authentication request to the smart key when a request for a control action matching a particular button is received from the smart key;

a user authentication unit configured to receive user authentication information from the smart key and perform user authentication; and

a control unit configured to perform the requested control action when the user authentication is successful,

wherein the received user authentication information includes any one of a code including one or more of numbers and letters, a pattern connecting a plurality of nodes, a fingerprint of the user, a voice code of the user, and a combination of long and short presses on a button of the smart key.
The control apparatus of claim 27, further comprising:

a user authentication information registry unit configured to register the user authentication information according to a request from the smart key,

wherein the user authentication information registry unit registers one or more fingerprints as the fingerprint of the user, registers information of a recording of one or more of numbers, letters, words, and phrases in a voice of the user as the voice code of the user, and registers a combination of long and short presses for one or more buttons as the combination of long and short presses on a button of the smart key.
The control apparatus of claim 28, wherein the encryption and decryption unit transmits the user authentication request including information on an authentication mode such that the user authentication information is inputted according to the authentication mode of the registered user authentication information.
The control apparatus of claim 27, wherein the encryption and decryption unit generates a private key and a public key for security of the user authentication information and transmits the public key together with the user authentication request,

and the user authentication unit performs the user authentication by decrypting the received user authentication information with the private key and checking whether or not the received user authentication information agrees with the registered user authentication information,

and wherein the received user authentication information is encrypted with the public key by the smart key.